Could be real or zillionith iteration of decades- old saga. Just sub ACC for Big Ten. This article was on a UC site. UC very eager for ACC affiliation and could be they realize no expansion if no ND. If ND were in, would ACC modify league game requirement to allow more than 3 non-conference games?
Over time I and other domers have weighed in with ND officials and Board and seen a lot of accommodation by them as to our strong feelings about independence. Are we beyond that point now?
For years I have told people that eventually the top 64 or so D-1s will will break away from NCAA in football and form a new association. There will be no conferences or divisions. Massive TV contract. A la carte scheduling, giving more flex for rivalries and top matchups. 11 regular season games. An 8 team playoff beginning in late November and culminating on New Year's Day and everybody gets a bowl game.
This would be a panacea for ND and the elite. It could be Saavy Jack's and ND's end-game.